Welcome to Our X-Men Comics Guide! Since the first appearance of the team in 1963, the X-Men have become one of Marvel Comics’s most recognizable and successful franchises. They are known as mutants, humans born with extraordinary powers, fighting to protect the world and their own as they are facing oppression by society. The X-Men are Legion and spanned out many titles, from team books to solo adventures, appeared in novels, television shows, movies, video games, and many other merchandises.
If you are looking to dive into the world of X-Men, this guide will help you navigate their comic book history. From their debut and standout sagas and time-travel adventures to various eras of Marvel Comics, important runs and major events and titles, we’ve got you covered!
Where should I start with the X-Men Comics?
At this moment, we don’t have a specific guide to help you kickstart your journey into the world of the X-Men. We hope to change that soon!
X-Men Comics by Era
Before exploring in more detail each era of X-Men, here’s a guide for the Omnibus Collector out there, listing in order all the Omnibus released by Marvel Comics starring the X-Men (with all the spin-off series and solo adventures):
I. X-Men: The Silver Age (1963-70)
The X-Men first appeared in The X-Men #1 (1963), the original team composed of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel, and Iceman. They were formed by Charles Xavier and faced Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, including Mastermind, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Toad.
The early years established the classic themes of the franchise, exploring the classic good versus evil through prejudice and racism. The X-Men’s world expanded a few years later with the introduction of Alex Summers and Lorna Dane, although the title was simply cancelled in 1970 due to low sales.
II. The Chris Claremont era (1975-1991)
A new team of X-Men was introduced in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975), by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, followed by the revival of the title, beginning with issue #94.
This new X-Men team was led by Cyclops, and assembled Colossus (from the Soviet Union/Russia), Nightcrawler (from Germany), Storm (from Kenya), Thunderbird (a Native American of Apache descent), Banshee (from Ireland), Sunfire (from Japan), and Wolverine (from Canada). Jean Grey quickly rejoined the team while Sunfire quit after the first mission.
Behind those new X-Men was Chris Claremont on writing duties, with illustrations by Dave Cockrum and later John Byrne. This became the longest and most famous era of X-Men, expanding and defining the franchise for decades. During those 17 years, Claremont introduced many characters, allies and enemies, mutants and humans (such as Sabretooth, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost, Mystique, Mister Sinister, and Gambit); he created iconic stories such as the Dark Phoenix Saga, Days of Future Past, Mutant Massacre, and launched several spin-off series like The New Mutants and Excalibur.
- The Chris Claremont X-Men Reading Order (1975-1991)
III. ’90s X-Men: Blue and Gold (1991-2001)
The X-Men entered a new decade with the launch of a new X-Men series, simply titled X-Men. Xavier and the original X-Men were back, and as a consequence, the roster team was split into two teams/books: Storm’s “Gold Team” (in The Uncanny X-Men) and Cyclops’s “Blue Team” (chronicled in X-Men).
X-Men‘s expansion continued during this turbulent era, remembered today for the near financial collapse of Marvel. It was a time of excess, full of too many events and many launches. The X-Men lineup grew with X-Force, Generation X, and Astonishing X-Men, while Uncanny X-Men and Excalibur continued their runs. Several solo series (and miniseries) were also launched, such as X-Man, Cable, Deadpool, Bishop, and Gambit. Excalibur and X-Factor came to an end, and the latter was replaced by Mutant X.
While not a period as fondly remembered as the ’80s, the X-Men had a few iconic storylines released during those years, such as Muir Island Saga, Fatal Attractions, and Age of Apocalypse. This is also during this time that the wide-line event Onslaught Saga took place, transforming the Marvel Universe…
X-Men Related-Events during the ’90s:
IV. The X-Men Modern Era (2001-2007)
After Chris Claremont, Grant Morrison is maybe the most influential writer on the X-Men. The Scottish writer took over the title, renamed New X-Men for the occasion, and revamped much of the franchise, introducing new concepts, new villains, and new disasters. While the X-Men made their debut on the big screen the year before, the franchise needed a fresh start and a way to stop spreading itself thin.
While Morrison and artist Frank Quitely reimagined the X-Men, Peter Milligan and Mike Allred deconstructed them in X-Statix, showing that the X-Men could be quite different than what readers were used to. At the same time, Storm was leading a globe-trotting team in X-Treme X-Men by Claremont, the underrated Exiles were jumping from one world to another, and Chuck Austen started his controversial run on Uncanny X-Men. This period also saw several short-lived spin-offs and miniseries, such as Emma Frost, Mystique, Cyclops, Iceman, Blink, Chamber, Mekanix (featuring Kitty Pryde), and Nightcrawler.
After Morrison’s departure from the title, the X-Men Universe was once again relaunched—or Reloaded! Another starting point marked with Claremont’s return on Uncanny X-Men, while Chuck Austen took over X-Men and new titles were added to the lineup: Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon, New X-Men: Academy X, and more solo series—except for Deadpool and Cable, who became an odd team in Cable & Deadpool. But a massive new change was just around the corner for the X-Men, with the world-shattering event House of M…
X-Men Related-Events during the Modern era:
V. The Messiah era (2007–2012)
“No more mutants.” With those words, Scarlet Witch transformed mutantkind. Fan-favorite characters were depowered, and only 198 mutants were believed to be left on Earth! This set off a period of rebuilding for the X-Men, marked by the destruction of the Xavier Institute, the creation of Utopia, and the emergence of Hope Summers. New teams like New X-Men and Generation Hope were formed, while Wolverine’s black-ops X-Force adopted a military approach.
Tensions within the X-Men led to the Schism, leading Uncanny X-Men to relaunch for the first time and serving as the flagship title for Cyclops’ Team. On his side, Wolverine became the improbable headmaster of a new school in Wolverine and the X-Men. During this time, major events like Secret Invasion and War of Kings shaped the larger Marvel Universe, setting the stage for Avengers vs. X-Men and the future of mutantkind.
X-Men Related-Events during this era:
- Decimation Reading Order, The Aftermath of House of M
- Avengers Vs. X-Men Reading Order (AVX)
VI. X-Men: Marvel NOW (2012-2015)
Following the Avengers vs. X-Men crossover event, a new chapter started in the Marvel Universe under the Marvel Now! banner. Most existing series were canceled or restructured, including Uncanny X-Men, X-Men: Legacy, and New Mutants. The new flagship title, All-New X-Men, marked the arrival of writer Brian Michael Bendis, who introduced a time-displaced version of the original X-Men, brought to the present day by Beast. This team eventually became a separate entity, led by Kitty Pryde.
Uncanny X-Men was relaunched with Cyclops leading a faction of X-Men committed to defending mutantkind at any cost. Meanwhile, Wolverine and the X-Men continued as a training-focused series under Wolverine’s leadership, who was also the leader of the Uncanny X-Force. Astonishing X-Men was canceled and replaced by Amazing X-Men, which saw the return of Nightcrawler.
In 2013, the X-Men celebrated their 50th anniversary with the Battle of the Atom storyline. However, one of the most significant events of this period was, without a doubt, the death of Wolverine! As the most iconic X-Men is killed off, the Marvel Universe is destroyed in Secret Wars.
X-Men Related-Events during Marvel Now:
VII. All-New, All-Different Marvel (2015-2017)
The Marvel Universe had been rebuilt, but mutantkind once again found itself on the brink of extinction. Released into Earth’s atmosphere by the Inhumans, the Terrigen Mist was revealed to be toxic to mutants, causing a deadly disease known as M-Pox. With Earth no longer safe, Storm led the X-Men to Limbo, establishing X-Haven, a sanctuary for mutants within the demonic dimension in Extraordinary X-Men by Jeff Lemire and Humberto Ramos.
Meanwhile, Magneto took a more aggressive approach in Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 4) by Cullen Bunn, Greg Land, and Ken Lashley, assembling a team to ensure mutants had a future by any means necessary. At the same time, the time-displaced original X-Men continued their adventures in All-New X-Men, joined by Laura Kinney, who took on the mantle of Wolverine and headlined her own solo series. She was not the only Wolverine active, as Old Man Logan had arrived in Earth-616 in the wake of Secret Wars.
During those few years, the X-Men faced the return of En Sabah Nur in Apocalypse Wars. Then, the conflict between the X-Men and the Inhumans became more prominent in Death of X and came to a head in Inhumans Vs. X-Men.
X-Men Related-Events during the All-New All-Different initiative:
VIII. ResurrXion Era (2017-2019)
Following the conclusion of Inhumans Vs. X-Men, Marvel relaunched both franchises to establish a new status quo. After years of struggle and fear of extinction, the X-Men could finally start to rebuild! Many team books were launched to reflect the many challenges and ideals of mutantkind.
The coloring branding made its return, with Kitty Pryde taking charge and working to re-establish the X-Men as public heroes in X-Men Gold by Marc Guggenheim and Ardian Syaf. At the same time, Magneto mentored the time-displaced original X-Men in X-Men Blue, Old Man Logan led a black ops unit in Weapon X, the classic X-Force came back with a new mission, and a new Exiles team was assembled to save the Multiverse!
True to the era’s name, ResurrXion was marked by the return of iconic X-characters and a renewed focus on classic relationships. It was only a matter of time before Wolverine made his comeback, a return shrouded in mystery for a time. He was not the only major player making a comeback, as Jean Grey was resurrected, and Psylocke returned to her original body! As a period of reconnecting with legacy and the past, it was fitting that this era concluded with Age of X-Man, an alternate-universe event inspired by Age of Apocalypse.
X-Men Related-Events during the All-New All-Different initiative:
- Hunt for Wolverine (and Return of Wolverine) Reading Order, the follow-up to Death of Wolverine
- Age of X-Man Reading Order (X-Men alternate-universe event)
IX. The Krakoan Age (2019-2024)
After years of struggle and neglect, Marvel Comics decided it was time to bring the X-Men back to the forefront. The entire X-Men line was cancelled and relaunched under the creative vision of Jonathan Hickman, who started the Krakoan Age. Exit Charles Xavier’s dream of integration, and here came the sovereign mutant nation on Krakoa, a safe haven for all Homo superior, with its own rules and its own language. During this era, over 500 issues of X-Men comics were published across more than 80 different series (as indicated by Popverse).
The X-Men’s role in the world was redefined, as well as the many classic dynamics between the X-Men and their enemies in favor of unity and strength. The many facets of this new society were explored in several titles. The flagship X-Men title focused on the mutant renaissance, while politics took center stage on Immortal X-Men. Cosmic challenges and the future of mutantkind were at the center of X-Men Red. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde and her team navigated dangerous international waters to secure mutant interests in Marauders, and the X-Force team handled covert operations to safeguard the nation’s future.
Many more series were launched, cancelled, and rebooted as time passed. As the Krakoan Age progressed, it went through four different phases, a Second Age (without Hickman), and its eventual fall.
- X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Reading Order (Dawn of X/Reign of X)
- Destiny of X, The Second Age of the X-Men of Krakoa Reading Order
X-Men Related-Events during the Krakoa Age:
- X-Men Hellfire Gala 2021 Reading Order
- A.X.E: Judgment Day Reading Order, the Avengers/X-Men/Eternals crossover
- Revenge of the Brood Reading Order, a X-Men and Captain Marvel Crossover
- X-Men: Sins of Sinister Reading Order
X. X-Men: From The Ashes (2024-present)
Krakoa has fallen. From the ashes of this era, the X-Men must once again start to rebuild. There’s no doubt Marvel’s mutants have been busy, with already 14 ongoing titles, including the flagship series X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, and Exceptional X-Men, alongside several limited series, one-shots, and three crossover stories! We won’t say more about this era, which will soon enter its second year.
- X-Men: From The Ashes Reading Order (Coming Soon!)
X-Men by Characters
Although Namor the Sub-Mariner is Marvel’s first mutant, the character is often X-Men adjacent and has been more affiliated with the Defenders and the Fantastic Four. He has been part of the team at some point, but has lived many adventures unrelated to the group. For this reason, the character is not listed here and generally speaking, we didn’t put his solo adventures in our reading guide.
- Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr / Max Eisenhardt) – first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963)
- Cyclops (Scott Summers) – first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963)
- Havok (Alex Summers) – first appeared in X-Men #54 (1969)
- Wolverine (Logan / James Howlett) – first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180-181
- The Origins of Wolverine Before he joined the X-Men!
- Wolverine by Jason Aaron
- Magik (Illyana Rasputin) – first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975, as child); became Magik in New Mutants #14 (1984)
- Storm (Ororo Munroe) – first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)
- Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) – first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)
- Mystique (Raven Darkhölme) – first appeared in Ms. Marvel #16 (1978)
- Kitty Pryde (Katherine Pryde / Shadowcat) – first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980)
- Emma Frost (Emma Grace Frost) – first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980)
- Gambit (Remy LeBeau) – first appeared in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 (1990, cameo); Uncanny X-Men #266 (1990, full)
- Cable (Nathan Summers) – first appeared in New Mutants #87 (1990)
- Deadpool (Wade Wilson) – first appeared in New Mutants #98 (1991)
- Where to start reading Deadpool comics? A Guide for beginners
- How old is Deadpool in the comics?
- Domino (Neena Thurman) – first appeared in X-Force #8 (1992)
- Jubilee (Jubilation Lee) – first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #244 (1989)
- Laura Kinney (X-23/Wolverine) – first appeared in NYX #3 (2004)
- Old Man Logan First appeared in Wolverine (vol. 3) #66 (2008)
X-Men by Teams
- New Mutants, the younger class of X-Men in training
- Alpha Flight, Canada’s premier team of superheroes
- X-Factor, a team of mutants operating under government or private sponsorship
- Excalibur, the mutant team based in the United Kingdom
- Generation X, a new generation of teenage mutants
- X-Force, a militant offshoot of the X-Men taking on high-risk missions
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